Healthcare scientists are difficult to describe in one sentence. Many are laboratory based and investigate disease, genetic make up and new scientific treatments. Others involve direct work with patients, for example, measuring the function of a particular organ. Then there are the scientists whose focus is more about engineering, ensuring that medical equipment is working safely or researching new medical technology.
If you’ve ever been given a new treatment, had a biopsy, a scan or a blood, sight or hearing test, it’s more than likely that a member of the healthcare science team was involved.
It’s even possible that the person you thought was a doctor was actually a healthcare scientist. The healthcare science team are involved in over 70% of all clinical decisions in the NHS and you’ll find their fingerprints on many of the latest technological advancements in preventing, diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions (Extract from an article in The Guardian 17th March 2013).
For information on the variety of Healthcare Science careers please visit the websites listed on this page.
NHSGGC offers a wide range of careers in Healthcare science for more information about working for NHSGGC please go to the Recruitment Services page of the NHSGGC website.
Current vacancies in NHSGGC are displayed on the NHS Scotland Jobs Website please follow the link to discover the current available jobs and details of how to apply.
Information on living and working in Glasgow.
Articles on Healthcare Science
Websites with Information on Healthcare Science Careers
Here you will finds Haematology and Blood Transfusion forms and guidelines related to our service. For further Information and advice please contact the Laboratory using the telephone numbers in our contacts section. More information can be found in our user handbook.
Blood Transfusion Forms and Guidelines
Haemostasis Forms and Guidelines
The Department of Haematology, Clyde Sector, NHSGGC, comprises main Haematology and Blood Transfusion Laboratory Services at both the Royal Alexandra Hospital and Inverclyde Royal Hospital sites, and a satellite laboratory at the Vale of Leven site
The Department is fully committed to the provision of a quality laboratory and clinical service, and is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), using International Standard ISO: 15189, for compliance to the Blood safety and Quality Regulations (BSQR) and The Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004 by the Medicines and Healthcare Products regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Our ISO:15189:2012 certificate of accreditation and our accredited scope can be found by clicking on the UKAS logo.
The Department Quality Policy defines the principal aims towards the provision of this service. The Quality Manual provides information relating to the accreditation, organisation, management and structure of the Department.
The Service User Handbook serves to provide comprehensive information regarding the use of the clinical and laboratory service, including information relating to the Departmental test repertoire, specimen requirements, test reference and therapeutic ranges, and urgent and emergency requests. Upon sending samples to our laboratory please refer to our terms and conditions.
The Department welcomes any feedback – if you have any comments, feedback and or complaints (Complaints Policy) in relation to our service, please contact either the Technical Services Manager or the Quality Manager.
Leaving Feedback
Feedback from service users is highly valued and used to improve our services.
To leave us feedback please complete the online form.
Royal Alexandra Hospital
Address
- Corsebar Road, Paisley, PA2 9PN
Telephone Numbers
- General Enquiries: 0141 314 6157
- Clinical Advice can be obtained during normal office hours, by contacting the Duty Consultant Haematologist, via switchboard: 0141 314 7294
- Quality Manager: 0141 314 6653
Service Hours
- Routine Service: 8.30am until 5.00pm, Monday to Friday
- Out of Hours Service: 5.00pm until to 8.30am, Monday to Friday, All Weekend
Inverclyde Royal Hospital
Address
- Level C, Larkfield Road, Greenock, PA16 0XN
Telephone Numbers
- General Enquiries: 01475 504 324
- Clinical Advice can be obtained during normal office hours, by contacting the Duty Consultant Haematologist, via switchboard: 0141 314 9504
- Quality Manager: 0141 314 6653
Service Hours
Routine Service: 8.30am until 5.00pm, Monday to Friday
Out of Hours Service: 5.00pm until to 8.30am, Monday to Friday, All Weekend
Vale of Leven Hospital
Address
- Main Street, Alexandria, G83 0UA
Telephone Numbers
- General Enquiries: 01389 817 265
- Clinical Advice can be obtained during normal office hours, by contacting the Duty Consultant Haematologist, via switchboard: 01389 828 599
- Quality Manager: 0141 314 6653
Service Hours
Routine Service: 8.30am until 5.00pm, Monday to Friday
This is the home page for Haematology and Blood Transfusion NHSGGC.
Contact and service information, for each Department in the Clyde, North Glasgow and South Glasgow Sectors, can be accessed below.
Haematology
Haematology is the study of the cause, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases related to blood. It involves the production of blood and its components, such as blood cells, haemoglobin, blood proteins and bone marrow.
Haemostasis (Blood Coagulation)
Haemostasis is how the human body responds to a blood vessel injury or bleeding. It involves the coordinated effort between platelets and numerous blood clotting proteins (or clotting factors), and ends with the forming of a blood clot and the stopping of bleeding.
Blood Transfusion
Blood transfusion is the process of how an individual receives blood or blood products. Transfusions are used in a variety of medical conditions to replace lost components of the blood. Blood Transfusion uses individual components of the blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, clotting factors and platelets.
Haematology Staff
Haematologists investigate, diagnose and treat diseases such as anaemia, leukaemia and lymphoma. They also care for patients with blood-clotting abnormalities and are responsible for ensuring that blood transfusions are safe and available when they are needed. Haematologists are the Biomedical Scientists and Clinical Scientists who work in laboratories and the Medical Staff who work with their patients in clinics and on the wards. Haematologists may be involved throughout the patient’s journey, from the very first hospital visit, all the way through laboratory diagnosis to treatment. Hundreds of thousands of blood tests are carried out every day in the UK.
Regulation and Accreditation
Haematology and Blood Transfusion NHSGGC is committed to providing the highest quality laboratory and clinical services we have been accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), using International Standard ISO: 15189. We have been assessed for compliance to the Blood safety and Quality Regulations 2005 (BSQR) and The Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004 by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). We are assessed for compliance with the Human Tissues Act 2004 (HTA) by the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) and for compliance to the JACIE standards by The Joint Accreditation Committee ISCT-Europe and EBMT (JACIE).
To find details of each of the individual sector’s accreditation and regulatory compliance then please go to the appropriate sector page.
To look at any sector’s ISO:15189 schedule of accreditation please go to the appropriate sector page or you may click on one of the UKAS logos above.
Our Locations
North Glasgow Sector
- Glasgow Royal Infirmary
- Gartnavel General Hospital
- Stobhill ACH
- West Glasgow Ambulatory Care Hospital
South Glasgow Sector
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
- Victoria ACH
Clyde Sector
- Royal Alexandra Hospital
- Inverclyde Royal Hospital
- Vale of Leven Hospital
The security of our staff is paramount within NHSGGC. To enable our line managers to support their staff, the Human Resources teams monitor the international threat level for the UK. The UK threat levels are set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC)
JTAC analyses and assesses all intelligence relating to international terrorism, at home and overseas. It sets threat levels and issues warnings of threats and other terrorist-related subjects for customers from a wide range of government departments and agencies, as well as producing more in-depth reports on trends, terrorist networks and capabilities.
JTAC brings together counter-terrorist expertise from various organisations. This information is analysed and then shared across UK Government organisations.
JTAC works closely with MI5, which manages investigations into terrorist activity in the UK. This enables it to assess the nature and extent of the threat in this country.
Current national threat level
The five UK threat levels are categorised as follows:
- Low means an attack is highly unlikely
- Moderate means an attack is possible, but not likely
- Substantial means an attack is likely
- Severe means an attack is highly likely
- Critical means an attack is highly likely in the near future
The UK threat level was lowered from Severe to Substantial on 09 February 2022.
If you are concerned about security within your workplace, you should discuss your concerns with your line manager in the first instance. Alternatively, you can contact the Human Resources Support and Advice Unit for further guidance.
This webpage will summarise the key amendments, policy changes or workforce initiatives updated on HR Connect.
2022
18 July – Staff Bank Newsletter (Summer 2022)
The Summer 2022 Staff Bank Newsletter, focuses on:
- Our brilliant Bank teams
- the DNA procedure
- Staff wellbeing
- Moving to other wards
11 February – Dying to Work Charter
The Dying to Work Charter was adopted by NHS Scotland in March 2021, and endorsed by NHSGGC Chief Executive and Employee Director. It sets out an agreed way in which our staff will be supported, protected and guided throughout their employment, following a terminal diagnosis. Please select the header above to be taken to the agreement and management guide.
2021
01 April – Whistleblowing Policy review
From today, the new National Whistleblowing Standards are in place forming the Once for Scotland Whistleblowing Policy.
For further information on training and contact information, view the Whistleblowing Policy.
29 March – Gender Reassignment Policy review
The Gender Reassignment Policy sets out NHSGGC’s roles and responsibilities as a service provider to patients who have the protected characteristic of Gender Reassignment.
01 March – Scottish Government Bonus Payment
Please refer to the frequently asked questions regarding the NHS Scotland’s agreed qualifying criteria for the £500 one-off payment announced by the First Minister.
2020
09 November – Living Wage Employer
We are delighted to announce NHSGGC are now a Living Wage Employer.
What is a Living Wage employer?
A living wage employer ensures that all employees aged 18 and over, including certain classes of contracted staff, are paid at least the living wage.The employer also agrees to increase the amount which it pays to employees by the same amount as any increase in the living wage within six months of the date of the official announcement.
What is living wage accreditation?
Living wage employer accreditation is managed by citizens UK and provides employers with a licence to the living wage employer mark. The accreditation process is simple and is open to employers already paying the living wage, or those committed to an agreed timetable of implementation.
12 August – Medical Appraisal and Revalidation
Dr Gregor Smith (Interim Chief Medical Officer to all Responsible Officers in Scotland) has written to all NHS Scotland Health Boards regarding the national arrangement for restarting Medical Appraisals.
Please review the updated information on the NHSGGC medical appraisals website and email medical.revalidation@ggc.scot.nhs.uk if you have any further questions regarding the letter.
23 July – Jobtrain version 7 upgrade
The NHSGGC recruitment system will shortly be upgraded to version 7. This briefing outlines what this will mean as one of NHSGGC’s hiring managers.
16 March – COVID-19 update
Please keep up to date with the latest guidance and frequently asked questions on the designated NHSGGC Coronavirus website. This information is updated daily and if you have any questions not covered, please contact email your specific query at staff.covid19@ggc.scot.nhs.uk and we will arrange to update the FAQs to respond to your questions.
02 March – NHS Scotland ‘Once for Scotland’ Workforce policies
Individuals currently within an NHSGGC process should complete the process under that policy, unless they are at the very start of the Attendance or Capability policies in which case they should move across to the NHSScotland Workforce policy on the completion of Stage 1, provided both sides are in agreement. If both sides are not in agreement, the individual will remain on the NHSGGC policy.
Where a process is underway within an NHSGGC policy, the policy and supporting documents, including template letters can be accessed through HR Connect – Policies & Associated Guidance.
05 February – NHS Scotland Staff Pension Policy
Further to the Core Brief on the 29 November 2019 and following the recent Pension Information sessions delivered across GGC, a copy of the presentation and frequently asked questions can be found at REC Information.
To support employees who may be affected by the impacts of international events, we want to ensure staff are aware of the resources available to them. We take the wellbeing of our employees very seriously and pride ourselves on being a diverse and inclusive workforce.
It is understandable that international events might make you may feel anxious, upset or overwhelmed. In recognition of this, we ask that anyone who is experiencing difficulties, whatever they may be, to raise this with their line manager in the first instance or through the Human Resources Support and Advice Unit. By advising us of any concerns you have will enable us to take a person-centred approach to assist you in your role, during these uncertain times.
If you have loved ones currently in an area directly impacted by an event, we appreciate you may wish to keep in more regular contact with them. As such, should you wish to discuss temporary adjustments to your working hours, rest breaks or duties, we will do our upmost to accommodate this through our Flexible Working Policies.
We would also like to remind you that you have access to a range of confidential support. This includes: self-help, money advice, mental health and wellbeing and the NHSGGC Counselling Service.
We understand people may have differing views of international events; however, the organisation does not condone any form of bullying, harassment, or discriminatory behaviour. We would like to remind all staff members to use respectful and appropriate language and be kind to colleagues.
Similarly, staff are reminded to only use appropriate channels to communicate in line with our Email Usage policy, Internet Acceptable Use policy; and our Personal Use of Social Media policy, and to, at all times, be sensitive to the individual circumstances of others.
Questions or Concerns
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding these matters, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Human Resources Support and Advice Unit. If you are a member of a Trade Union/Professional Organisation they may also provide you with advice and support.
HR Connect was launched in 2016 Since then it has grown and developed based on staff feedback.
Your views and suggestions are valuable to us in helping us to know what works and what can be improved and may help shape future developments.
Staff are encouraged to provide feedback relating to HR Connect using the survey below.
Feedback can be provided anonymously if preferred.
Supporting staff that also care for someone when they are not at work, is important. It is important for line managers to understand how caring for someone can have an impact on a staff members’ health and wellbeing and to ensure appropriate support is put in place to maintain their health and wellbeing. This will also ensure staff, who are carers, can continue to work if they wish to do so.
There are many ways line managers can ensure a supportive working environment for carers and we recommend that you have a discussion with staff members to discuss the options. This does not necessarily require big changes within the workplace, it can be small adjustments which can make a big difference.
Identifying staff who are carers
To be able to identify staff, who have caring responsibilities outside of work, it is important to have a clear definition. The NHS Scotland Special Leave policy defines a Carer as ‘someone who has responsibility for a family member, partner, friend, or another individual who relies on the employee.’
Many carers do not identify themselves as a carer, they may describe themselves as ‘looking after’ or ‘supporting’ someone. Many do not think about informing their line manager that they are a carer. Although the aim is a supportive working environment where carers feel comfortable informing their line manager that they are a carer, it is important to recognise that it is the staff member’s choice whether they disclose this.
Line managers might be aware of family circumstances that might suggest that the member of staff is also looking after or supporting someone. Think about opportunities when you could have a conversation with the staff member, for example at one to one meetings. If you require support on how to approach this conversation, please contact the Human Resources Support and Advice Unit.
Supporting Carers in the workplace
There is a range of support that line managers should be aware of when discussing an employee’s caring responsibilities with them.
Supportive NHSGGC Policies
As a line manager, you should familiarise yourself with the NHS Scotland Special Leave Policy, and the associated Manager Guide. In addition, you may find it helpful to look at this in conjunction with the NHS Scotland Flexible Work Pattern Policy.
For further advice on Workforce Policies, contact the Human Resources Support and Advice Unit.
Practical support
Supporting carers within the workplace is not always about changing working hours. There are practical and often small changes that can make a difference in the workplace. Here are some suggestions that might help:
- Telephone access: providing private access to a telephone or allowing an employee to keep their mobile phone on in case they need to respond to an emergency. Staff are encouraged to provide work telephone numbers to dependents in some clinical areas where mobile phones are not permitted.
- Health and Wellbeing Support: There are a lot of support services available for carers. Managers should make themselves aware of what is available for staff. Posters and flyers promoting carer support services within the workplace, are available from the Public Health Resource Directory. Additionally, health and wellbeing information for NHSGGC staff is available on HR Connect. Occupational Health can provide support to staff if their own health is impacted.
Carer Support Services
There are dedicated support services across the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area and further afield. These services provide practical and emotional support for carers, they understand what it means to be a carer. The support these services provide can also help the person they look after.
You can also drop-in, call or email the Support & Information Service on the ground floor of the New Victoria and New Stobhill Hospitals and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
Are you looking after someone when you are not at work? If this is you, then you could be a carer.
You may not identify yourself as a carer – you may see yourself as a partner, sister, brother or friend, and this relationship will not change. However in recognising yourself as a carer, this entitles you to certain rights and access to information and support, specifically for you as a carer that may assist you in your caring role. This may also be helpful for the person you care for.
The NHS Scotland Special Leave policy defines a Carer as ‘someone who has responsibility for a family member, partner, friend, or another individual who relies on the employee.’
Many carers say they do have a good balance between caring and being able to do other things in life. However for some, trying to balance working life and caring can be stressful and can affect health and wellbeing.
“Research tells us that it is important to understand how caring can have an impact on wellbeing and to ensure that appropriate supports are put in place to maintain the health and wellbeing of the carer.”
We understand that it can be difficult at times to balance working life and being a carer. For this reason, we want to recognise and value our staff who are carers and raise awareness of the help and support that is available.
Help and Support
If you do look after someone, support is at hand. This includes supportive NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Policies and local community-based services dedicated to carers. Even if you do not need this help and support just now, it is good to know there are services out there should you need this in the future.
You can find out more information on support available, please visit our dedicated NHSGGC Carers page.
Carers Manager Information and Guidance
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Policies
Local Carer Support Services
There are dedicated support services across Greater Glasgow and Clyde area and further afield. These services provide practical and emotional support for you as a carer and they understand what it means to be a carer. The support these services provide can also help the person you look after.
What do carer support services provide?
- Practical information for you. They will let you know about your rights as a carer and what help and support is available for you.
- Emotional support and a listening ear for you.
- Access to training that will support you in your role as a carer.
- Information about financial support that may be available for you or for the person you look after.
- Information about how to access short breaks from providing care.
Click on the Carer Contact Information webpage to find the contact information for services within your area.
Health, Wellbeing and Wider Support
There is a dedicated Staff Health page which provides information and support for staff on a range of health topics and factors that can impact on our health, all in one site.
You can also drop-in, call or email the Support & Information Service. Find out more on the Support and Information Services webpage.
The Spiritual Care team can also provide confidential, compassionate, inclusive, non-judgemental, person-centred spiritual, emotional and bereavement care and support. You’ll find out more information on the Spiritual Care team webpage.
Support for Staff with Money Worries
In the current economic climate, many staff are experiencing money and debt problems, which can increase personal stress. NHSGGC has a number of resources to support staff.
Please visit the All About Money page for more information on managing your money.
Childcare Voucher Scheme
Staff are able to join the Tax-Free Childcare Scheme (TFC) via Childcare Choices.
Information relating to the former childcare scheme can be accessed at Fideliti Childcare Vouchers
